Sarah Brittany McElrath and Bobby Goode Obituary: A Tragic Motorcycle Accident in Spartanburg County Claims Two Lives, Leaving a Community in Mourning
It is with great sorrow that we share the news of the tragic passing of Sarah Brittany McElrath, 37, and Bobby Goode, 60, following a deadly motorcycle accident that occurred on Monday afternoon, May 28, 2025, in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Both individuals were killed in a collision involving their motorcycle and a 2007 Dodge truck on Highway 14, near the intersection with Oak Grove Road. The crash, which left both riders fatally injured, has sent shockwaves through the local community, as well as the larger motorcycling world, where McElrath and Goode were well-known figures.
Sarah Brittany McElrath, a passenger on the motorcycle, was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:17 p.m., despite wearing a helmet and the best efforts of emergency responders to revive her. Bobby Goode, the motorcycle driver, was rushed to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. Despite medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 10 p.m. that same night. The news of their deaths has left their families, friends, and fellow riders devastated, as they remember two kind-hearted individuals whose passion for motorcycling and the open road was matched only by their vibrant spirits.
The Tragic Crash: A Collision on Highway 14
The fatal crash occurred shortly after 6:20 p.m. on Monday, when the motorcycle, traveling eastbound on Highway 14, collided with the driver’s side of a 2007 Dodge truck traveling westbound. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the circumstances of the crash remain under investigation, as it is unclear why the motorcycle veered into the truck’s path. Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the cause of the accident but have confirmed that both McElrath and Goode were wearing helmets at the time of the collision, suggesting they had taken basic safety precautions.
The impact of the crash was severe, and both riders were fatally injured despite the presence of helmets, which typically provide significant protection in the event of an accident. The driver of the Dodge truck was unharmed in the crash and remained at the scene to cooperate with responding officers. Investigators have documented evidence at the scene, including skid marks and vehicle damage, which will be used to reconstruct the events leading to the crash.
As of now, the cause of the collision remains unclear, and authorities are continuing to examine factors such as road conditions, speed, visibility, and other possible environmental influences. The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol are working together on the investigation, and it remains ongoing as they collect further details. It has not yet been determined whether any charges or citations will arise from the crash.
A Vibrant Life Taken Too Soon: Remembering Sarah Brittany McElrath and Bobby Goode
Sarah Brittany McElrath and Bobby Goode were more than just victims of a tragic accident—they were individuals whose lives were filled with passion, joy, and love. McElrath, described by those who knew her as a warm, compassionate, and adventurous woman, had a love for motorcycling that she shared with close friends, particularly Bobby Goode. The two had a special bond, often seen riding together at local events and charity rides, and their camaraderie extended far beyond the road.
McElrath’s family and friends remember her for her vibrant spirit, her ability to make everyone feel welcome, and her unwavering support for the people she loved. She had a special knack for bringing people together, creating an inclusive environment wherever she went. Friends describe her as someone who was always the first to offer a helping hand and always made time to listen when someone needed to talk. Her energy and kindness were infectious, and her passion for life was something that stood out to everyone who met her.
Similarly, Bobby Goode’s legacy is one of adventure, loyalty, and a deep love for the freedom that motorcycling provided. Goode was a lifelong rider with a deep appreciation for the thrill of the open road. He was known among his peers for his technical knowledge of motorcycles, his willingness to share his expertise with others, and his sense of humor that made every ride enjoyable. Much like McElrath, Goode had a passion for charity rides and community events, and he was often seen at local gatherings with friends and fellow motorcyclists.
Together, McElrath and Goode formed a dynamic duo in the motorcycling community. They were well-known for their presence at local charity events, where they not only participated in rides but also volunteered their time to help raise awareness for causes they deeply cared about. Their shared love for motorcycling and their commitment to community involvement made them beloved figures in the local motorcycling circles.
Grieving Families and a Grieving Community
The tragic deaths of McElrath and Goode have left their families, friends, and the broader Spartanburg community devastated. McElrath’s family, particularly her parents, are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their daughter, who had so much more to give. Similarly, Goode’s family is grieving the loss of a beloved member who was both a father figure and a friend to many.
As family members and friends grapple with their grief, many have turned to social media to express their sorrow and share memories of McElrath and Goode. Tributes have poured in from the motorcycling community, as riders from across the country remember them both for their kindness, generosity, and contributions to the world of motorcycling. Many of McElrath and Goode’s friends have described them as integral members of the motorcycling family, whose love for the sport was only matched by their love for the people around them.
Local memorials have begun to form near the crash site, with flowers, candles, and personal tributes left by friends, family, and fellow riders. Community members have expressed their desire to honor the memory of McElrath and Goode by continuing to support the causes they cared about, raising awareness for motorcyclist safety, and cherishing the bond they shared through their love of the open road.
A Growing Concern: Motorcycle Safety and Road Safety in South Carolina
The tragic deaths of Sarah Brittany McElrath and Bobby Goode come amid growing concerns about the risks motorcyclists face on the road. Motorcycle-related fatalities in South Carolina have been on the rise in recent years, and Monday’s crash adds to the troubling statistics surrounding motorcycling safety. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, motorcycle accidents often result in higher rates of serious injury or death due to the limited protection motorcycles provide compared to passenger vehicles.
The rise in fatalities has sparked renewed discussions about the need for better safety measures, both for motorcyclists and for the drivers of passenger vehicles. Many advocates for motorcycle safety have called for stronger regulations, improved training for riders, and heightened awareness of the dangers motorcyclists face on the road. In particular, there have been calls for increased public education on the importance of sharing the road, maintaining safe speeds, and being vigilant at intersections—where many accidents, including McElrath and Goode’s, take place.
In light of McElrath and Goode’s tragic deaths, local law enforcement and community leaders are encouraging both motorcyclists and motorists to remain vigilant and practice defensive driving. They are also highlighting the importance of wearing helmets, using protective gear, and ensuring that all vehicles on the road—whether motorcycles or passenger cars—are properly maintained and equipped for safe operation.
Reflecting on the Loss: How to Honor McElrath and Goode’s Memory
As the investigation into the circumstances of the crash continues, McElrath and Goode’s families, along with their friends, are reflecting on the impact these two individuals had on their lives. In the days following their deaths, a memorial ride and gathering are being planned by their fellow riders. This ride, which will be held in their honor, will not only commemorate their love for motorcycles but also serve as a reminder to cherish life and prioritize safety on the roads.
Many friends and family members have expressed a desire to keep McElrath and Goode’s legacy alive by raising awareness for road safety and continuing to support the causes they were passionate about. A scholarship fund is also being discussed as a way to honor their commitment to helping others and giving back to the community.
Through these efforts, McElrath and Goode’s memory will continue to inspire future generations of motorcyclists to live with the same passion, love, and community spirit that they did. Though their time on earth was cut short, their impact on the world and the people around them will not soon be forgotten.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Love, Adventure, and the Open Road
The tragic deaths of Sarah Brittany McElrath and Bobby Goode leave a profound hole in the hearts of their families, friends, and the broader motorcycling community. However, their legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew them, in the rides they took together, and in the causes they supported. As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, those who knew McElrath and Goode are finding ways to honor their memory, whether through memorials, rides, or simply by living their lives with the same zest for adventure, kindness, and love that these two individuals embodied.
Their story serves as a reminder of the risks we all face on the road but also of the importance of embracing life fully, sharing our passions with others, and never taking a single moment for granted. Rest in peace, Sarah Brittany McElrath and Bobby Goode—you will forever be remembered, and your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved you.
